THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) joined the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Light Rail Transit Authority, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) in launching the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-2 Digital Fare Payments Proof-of-Concept at LRT-2 Legarda Station on 13 July 2026, bringing commuters a faster and more convenient way to pay for train rides.
This initiative allows commuters to use most debit, credit, and prepaid cards; near-field communication-compatible mobile wallets and devices, including Google Pay; and GCash Commute QR codes to access LRT-2 services. It also enables approximately 700,000 My SSS cardholders to use their cards for LRT-2 fares, offering a faster and more seamless alternative to traditional ticket purchases.
The LRT-2 implementation builds on the rollout of digital fare payments in Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) and the introduction of QR-based payments at the EDSA Busway, expanding the use of digital payments across the country’s public transportation network. More transport services are planned for integration into the DOTr’s Automated Fare Collection System project.
DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan said, “Ang ginagawa natin ngayong araw na ito ay ang magdagdag ng pagpipilian para sa ating mga commuters, upang magkaroon sila ng mas marami at mas maginhawang paraan ng pagbabayad. This initiative brings us one step closer toward building a more advanced, open, interoperable, and inclusive fare collection system for the Philippines.”
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan also noted, “With a simple tap or scan, a commuter on LRT-2 can now pay their fare digitally, securely, instantly, and without cash. That is a fundamental improvement in how millions of people start their day and an opportunity to bring more Filipinos into the digital economy.”
RCBC Chief Executive Officer and President Reginaldo Anthony B. Cariaso added, “Today, we are not merely modernizing fare collection. We are laying the digital rails for the future of Philippine mobility. We are bringing the Philippines at par with the world’s leading transport systems and building a future where every journey is smarter, faster, safer, more connected, and more inclusive.”
Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey V. Navarro emphasized, “Filipinos deserve better, especially in transit. For many, the first payment transaction they make when they leave home is for transportation, and the last transaction before they go home is still transit. By ensuring that these payments are digitized, we can bring greater convenience and ease to their daily commute.”
For commuters, the initiative means more payment choices, shorter queues, and a smoother travel experience. It also supports the BSP’s vision of making digital payments a seamless part of everyday life by enabling Filipinos to use them in one of their most frequent daily transactions—commuting.
The BSP continues to work with the public and private sectors to promote payment systems that are secure, efficient, and easy to use. By integrating digital payments into daily commuting, the initiative also advances the BSP’s broader goals of promoting financial inclusion and accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
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